Burnie Legette Obituary

Burnie Legette died on March 4, 2017. He was born on July 4th, 1931 in Marion, SC to the late Clarence and Pearline Legette. His siblings included: Theodore (deceased), Roosevelt (deceased), Leroy (deceased), Harold (deceased), Pearlie (deceased), and his remaining sister Chestina. Burnie attended North Carolina A&T in Greensboro, NC earning a B.S. degree in Chemistry. He pursued graduate work in Biochemistry at Ohio State University, business management at University of Northern Colorado, and also took several computer science courses. After college, he became an Officer in the United States Air Force serving over twenty years reaching the rank of Major. After retiring from the military in 1973, Burnie continued his career as a computer systems analyst as a civilian.

Burnie married his longtime college sweetheart, Thelma Palmer, on October 28th, 1955 in Suffolk Virginia. They remained married for 50+ years until Thelma passed away in 2007. Burnie and Thelma bore five children: Sharon Legette-Sobers (Pittsford, NY), Michele Legette (Colorado Springs), Jeffrey Legette (Kansas City, MO), Michael Legette (Denver, CO), and Burnie Legette II (Hudson, NH). He has another daughter Patricia Devane (Wilmington, NC). He had a special relationship with his son-in-law Roger, and loved and respected his three daughters-in-law, Kristi, Flori, and Michelle. In addition, Burnie has fourteen grandchildren, three sisters-in-laws: Bernice Hayes, Margaret Locust (deceased) and Mildred Creekmur, and numerous nieces and nephews. He loved being in the presence of his family.

Burnie valued faith and family the most as he was a faithful member of First Presbyterian Church for 30+ years. In addition, he valued the importance of education. Some of his most memorable moments consisted of seeing each of his children graduate from college. Burnie loved mentoring and talking with young people. He encouraged young people to pursue all opportunities to reach their potential, learn from adversity, show empathy for others, maintain your integrity and keep a sense of adventure. Burnie was a role model for his children and other children in the community.

An enthusiastic learner, Burnie was involved in numerous organizations including Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, Toastmasters, and Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP). He also tutored inner city youths in mathematics and science. An avid sports fan, he loved football! His other interests included handball, fishing, gardening, and traveling to new places. He lived by one of his favorite quotes. "Ideas are a dime a dozen. People who put them into action are priceless."

Burnie Legette, a true renaissance man with a wonderful dry sense of humor, lived a full life. His legacy will continue through his children, grandchildren and the many lives that he touched.

A visitation is scheduled from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Sunday, March 12, 2017 at Swan-Law Funeral Directors, 501 N. Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80903. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Monday, March 13, 2017 starting at 1 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 219 East Bijou Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903.

Donations to the American Cancer Society on behalf of Burnie Legette are welcome.